Sassy girl … the things I want to do to that mouth of yours …
You should come to the party.
Princess: Is it a party of two people?
Not exactly, but we’d love to have you.
Princess: Ash …
Ugh, I know. I know. I just need to hug you again, kiss you, taste you. I’m dying over here.
Glancing up from my phone, I spot a familiar face—the girl from my house who had marks on her is walking this way, her face buried in her phone with her cheeks fiery red and a sultry smile. Her blonde hair is cascading down around her face, and with the sunlight hitting her, it looks like it’s glowing. She’s pretty. I can acknowledge that without it being a thing.
I hope whoever the hell struck her has been dealt with.
As she grows closer, I don’t see any marks on her, and the ones that were there are gone now.
She looks up, her eyes immediately locking on to mine and going wide.
“Hey.” I smile kindly, tucking my phone in my pocket.
Her wide gaze softens, and her lips tip into a sweet smile. “Hi. T-thank you for being so kind the other day.”
She is so nice.
“Of course. Don’t mention it. Everything sorted out?” I ask, hoping she’d come to us for help if she needs it.
She nods, then tilts her head side to side. “Yes, and no. But it will be soon enough.”
“Good.” A realization hits me. “I don’t think I ever got your name.”
Her plump lips part, and her cheeks warm to a pretty rose pink. “Oh, um … my name’s Cirella.”
“Cirella,” I repeat. “It’s nice to meet you.” I offer her my hand. “I’m Asher.”
Hesitantly, she takes it, shaking gently.
My phone vibrates again, and I quickly check it, noticing the time and realizing I’m going to be late. “I gotta get going, but have a good one.”
“Yeah, thanks. You too,” she trails off and strides past me.
Her scent wafts into my nose as she passes, and my heart bursts. I don’t know why, I don’t know how, but she triggers a scent memory in my body. One of happiness.
I don’t have time to focus on it because I’ve got to get to class.
I answer Malik’s texts as I race up the stairs into Lovelace Hall.
Malik: Are we still party prepping tomorrow?
Yes. Be there at eight.
Dean replies in the group chat too.
Dean: Don’t be early because we have to wait for our dad and Adrianna to be gone.
Malik: I’m never early.
Malik: Bring anything?
